Features

We get e-mail from readers who have had what they often prefer to call prop incidents as to possibly avoid the term prop-strike, and its frequent need for a recommended or mandatory engine tear down. In our response to readers we quote the latest manufacturer directives and FAA guidance, and add our perspectives and experience […]

Our weekly review of SocialFlight revealed fly-ins ranging from the standard pancake breakfast through one with an omelet bar, a bring-a-dish-to-share social and a Tuskegee Airmen exhibit. EAA Chapter 1252 is hosting a pancake breakfast fly-in on Saturday, July 12 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Elyria, Ohio Airport. Just $6 for all the […]

My son an I were departing SNS one evening in a Cessna 182 with my son at the controls and his two-year-old daughter in the back seat. We were cleared for take-off, climbing out, passing through about 1,000 feet when my granddaughter announced she needed to go to the bathroom. My son gave me that […]

Its the Fourth of July-go fly. On a basic level, its summer in the northern hemisphere so enjoy it in the air-if youre in the southern hemisphere, its the dead of winter, you probably havent been flying enough, so go get some of the rust off. On another level, unapologetically, its my countrys Independence Day, […]

Our weekly review of what to do in aviation on SocialFlight uncovered numerous Independence Day fly-ins and events-starting at the top with a fly-in at the nation’s highest airport. Our review was made easier and more encompassing by SocialFlight’s substantial upgrade to its free website which now allows users to customize the events they want […]

Heard on climb-out shortly after taking off behind a Bonanza A36: Bonanza:“Departure, this is Bonanza 12A. Ahh, we just got started here but need to come back.” Departure Control:“Bonanza 12A, understand you want to return to the field.” Bonanza:“Affirmative. 12A.” Departure Control:“Bonanza 12A, do you need any assistance?” Bonanza:“No. We just left the dog in […]

Judgment is the cornerstone of the air traffic control profession. This basic trait, common among thousands of successful air traffic controllers worldwide, allows controllers to face a variety of situations-including unusual pilot requests-and act appropriately. As with the folks in the cockpits, a controller relies on situational awareness. She takes a multitude of things into […]

This weekend’s roster of events for pilots, listed online by SocialFlight, includes something for everyone, whether you prefer crowds and action or finding your way to an out-of-the-way airport on the edge of the wilderness. For those who haven’t yet been to a Sporty’s fly-in, you have a chance every Saturday, all year-round, and you […]

Letter of the Week:USA Today‘s Strategy Only a personal injury lawyer would write a Lettre de Cachet like the black adventure story published in USA Today. My sympathies for their reduced ad revenues and declining circulation. But holding public executions and sensational smear campaigns has never worked for any publication. Even the networks hesitate to […]

The Swiss Air Force PC-7 aerobatic team was returning in nine-ship Formation to Locarno Magadino Air Field (LSZL) some years ago. Team Leader:“Locarno Tower, Turbo 947 nine-ship inbound to split overhead.” TWR Operator:[Gives clearance to enter and split and to report on downwind individually.] Then … Pilot 1:“Number One downwind.” TWR:“Number One, report final — […]